I suppose that it could be said that 2014 was the year our luck with the weather ran out.

However, despite the wind and rain we still had a good turn out of Triumph cars with examples ranging from the TR’s, Heralds & Vitesses, Spitfires & GT6’s, Stags, Dolomites, 2000/2500, together with the by now customary “Honorary Triumph’s for the day. In all, we had 92 cars turning up at Avon Heath Country Park for the start out of a total of 128 entries.

This year’s run got underway from Avon Heath around the customary time of 10.30am with the marshalls having previously departed to their allotted positions. This year’s route took in the scenery around West Moors, Verwood, Horton, Cranborne, Breamore, Woodgreen, with the halfway halt at Hale Village Hall.

After suitable time to dry off, relax and take advantage of complementary teas and coffees we got underway again for the second half which took us out via Cadnum, Bramshaw, Boldrewood, Bashley and Hinton. From thereon we took the coast road on to Bournemouth. Normally, this route would have afforded fantastic views of the coast but the wind and rain with accompanying cloud cover did nothing for the scenic views.

We eventually arrived at our agreed parking area adjacent to the BIC only to find that, despite us booking and paying for the allotted parking, with the council agreeing to leave the area clear for us , the BIC had over-ruled this and let 2 articulated lorries and tour busses park adjacent to the BIC building. This made things quite tight however, we did manage to fit everyone in - just. This was the only time during the day that we were thankful for the bad weather - if everyone who had entered had turned up we would not have been able to accommodate all the cars.

Unfortunately, due to the worsening weather we had to hastily complete the judging and prize giving.

Despite the weather, and the parking problems at Bournemouth, I think that we were lucky again this year in that all the planning that goes into the event paid off and there was no major incident.

All in all, I think everyone who came along had a good day and enjoyed the Run, the forest scenery and the camaraderie of the event. This is certainly the impression gained from subsequent comments and thanks received.

Now the Statistics:

Breakdown of cars entered and taking part on the day:

Cars Entered

Actual

TR2

0

0

TR3

5

5

TR4

9

6

TR5

1

1

TR250

2

1

TR6

22

13

TR7

9

5

TR8

6

6

Vitesse

3

1

Herald

7

7

Spitfire

9

7

GT6

7

5

Dolomite

2

2

2000/2500

4

4

Stag

31

21

Acclaim

1

1

Others

10

7

128

92

The results of voting in each of 8 categories in the self judging concours were as follows:

Winner

Runner Up

TR 2, 3 & 4

C. Vedova

A. Smith

TR 3

TR 3A

TR 5 & 6

P. Taylor

O. Webster

TR 5

TR 6

TR 7 & 8

T. Francis

M. Humphries

TR 7

TR 7 V8

Herald / Vitesse

R. Smith

L. O’Kelly

Herald 13/60

Herald 1200

Spitfire / GT6

P. Stead

N. Fletcher

Spitfire Mk4

GT6

Stag

M. Goulding

G. Fletcher

Saloons

V. Ralph

N. Woodward

2500S

Acclaim

Others

N. Barber

-

MG Magnette

In addition to the above, there was also a separate prize for what was deemed to be the “Car of The Show”. This was chosen independently and the choice of “Car of the Run” was the Mk 1 Triumph 2000 of J. Wood.

I think that everyone appreciates that there is a lot of work that goes into the planning of this event, designing the route and obtaining the various permits and insurance required. Most of which goes on behind the scenes before the day. In addition there is the organising of the booking in at the start, the band of volunteer marshalls around the route, the halfway refreshments and the arrangements at the end of the Run. I would like to pass on the many thanks received from numerous participants to everyone involved in making the day the success it has been.

I would also like say a big thank you from us to everyone who braved the weather and came along with their Triumph on the day.

As always, I feel a special mention should also go out to all the Area Organisers and Group Leaders who have supported our event. Without this support we would simply not be able to hold the event and it would not be the success it has been. I won’t mention any names but you know who you are – they involve areas of the TR Register, TR Drivers, TSSC, Stag Owners, 2000/2500 Register, Dolomite Register etc.